About Us
Founded in 2018, the Sudd Foundation emerged to shift negative views and celebrate the potential of South Sudanese youth in the media. We named our foundation after the Sudd, a vast and vital wetland in South Sudan known for its strength and resilience—qualities we embody in our mission.
Founded in 2018, the Sudd Foundation emerged to shift negative views and celebrate the potential of South Sudanese youth in the media. We named our foundation after the Sudd, a vast and vital wetland in South Sudan known for its strength and resilience—qualities we embody in our mission.
"Sudd" means "barrier" in Arabic, a historical landmark that protected the region from explorers and invaders, symbolising the protection and resilience we aim to provide our community today. This name, endorsed by our community leaders, marks our commitment to unity and strength.
At Sudd Foundation, we focus on creating a future where South Sudanese Australians are known for their contributions and possibilities. We prioritise culturally relevant, safe, and sustainable programs tailored to the unique needs of disengaged youth, including those exiting the youth justice system, and support for young women and mothers.
These initiatives show real change—improving education, job prospects, and cultural connections for our community members.
Every success story underscores our commitment to building a peaceful, unified community.
Join us on this journey to creating a lasting legacy of strength, unity, and hope.
Our Mission
To empower South Sudanese Australians in Melbourne by providing education, job training, and cultural programs.
Our Vision
To create a vibrant and inclusive community where South Sudanese Australians are key contributors.
Our Values
Eight core values define and guide our work:
- Community
- Empowerment
- Resilience
- Inclusivity
- Education
- Cultural integrity
- Service
- Collaboration.
We’re On A Mission To Solve The Problems
SUDD Foundation exists to work with and for South Sudanese Australians to ensure they reach their full potential by: developing programs that provide direct support services; providing connections to government and Not-for-Profit organisations; Through the provision of these services, SUDD Foundation’s objective is to: increase community integration and acceptance for South Sudanese Australians; increase rates of employment and community participation; reduce youth crime and infringement incidences;
What We Do
The Sudd Foundation was born from the collective vision of a group of business and community leaders, a blend of Australian and South Sudanese backgrounds. Our essence is rooted in a rich tapestry of diverse experiences and shared goals, a unique fusion that underpins our approach and objectives.
We pride ourselves on our collaborative ethos. We serve as a bridge, connecting Australians from South Sudan with local, state, and federal government services, corporate Australia, community leaders, and the media. We believe in the power of unity, the strength that comes from collaboration, and the transformative outcomes that can be achieved when diverse stakeholders work together towards a common goal.
Our focus is centred around three fundamental pillars: youth, women, and community. Each pillar is crucial in our mission to create a unified community, imbued with values of participation, pride, and peace. We believe that investing in our youth prepares the leaders of tomorrow, empowering women fosters strong families and communities, and nurturing the community creates a harmonious society where everyone thrives.
Our approach is community-led, aligning our efforts with the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. We strive to build trust within these communities, fostering long term partnerships that enable sustainable change. Capacity building is at the core of our work, equipping the community with the skills and resources they need to self-direct their development.
Our approach is community-led, aligning our efforts with the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. We strive to build trust within these communities, fostering long term partnerships that enable sustainable change. Capacity building is at the core of our work, equipping the community with the skills and resources they need to self-direct their development.
Real Connection
- Programs
- Financial capacity
- Relationships
- Positive Media
Knowledge
In depth understanding of what the issues are with who and where
Trust
Led by the south Sudanese community to ensure a level of confidence
Language
Insights of the cultural subsets of the community including Dinka, Nuer and Arabic
Unity
Cross-section representation of geographic regions to reduce duplication and eliminate silos
Our Work Plan
At the Sudd Foundation, we are driven by a singular mission: to ensure all Australians from South Sudan are active, positive, and accepted participants in the broader community. We recognise the challenges faced by the South Sudanese community and are committed to addressing the priority areas of unmet need, particularly those causing negative impacts on the wider community.
Our work plan is designed to tackle these challenges head-on, focusing on strategic goals that will make a significant difference in the lives of the South Sudanese community in Australia.
Reduce Youth Crime and Infringement Incidence: We believe in the potential of our youth, and we’re committed to steering them away from a path of crime. We aim to achieve this through mentorship programs, recreational activities, and positive engagement initiatives that provide healthy outlets for their energy and creativity.
Reduce Vulnerability Through Education and Connection: We strive to curb the vulnerability of community members by offering education and fostering connections. Our programs focus on providing educational support, fostering social connections, and building bridges between different cultures and communities.
Increase Community Integration and Acceptance for Australians from South Sudan: We are steadfast in our goal to enhance the integration and acceptance of South Sudanese Australians into the wider community. We aim to accomplish this through cultural exchange programs, community dialogues, and public awareness campaigns that highlight the richness of the South Sudanese culture and the contributions of South Sudanese Australians to society.
Increase Rates of Employment and Community Participation: We are dedicated to boosting the employment rates within the South Sudanese community. We provide job training programs, employment workshops, and networking events, all aimed at equipping community members with the skills and opportunities needed to secure meaningful employment. Additionally, we encourage community participation through various events and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and active involvement in the community.
save the world
We are committed to promoting integration, creating positive partnerships, and building capacity within the South Sudanese community. By co-creating and funding support services and opportunities, we are not just helping; we are opening doors, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for a brighter future.
This is what we do at the Sudd Foundation. We are not just dreaming of a better tomorrow; we are actively working towards it, one community at a time.
Our Values & Strengths
At the Sudd Foundation, we are guided by a set of core values and strengths that inform our approach and fuel our mission. These principles serve as the compass that directs every step; we take in serving the South Sudanese community in Australia.
At the Sudd Foundation, we are more than a group of individuals; we are a community bound by shared experiences, shared goals, and a shared vision for a better future. Our values and strengths are the pillars upon which we build our efforts, and the drivers of our commitment to serving the South Sudanese community in Australia.
We are deeply invested in understanding the issues faced by our community. We employ a granular approach, identifying the who, what, and where of every challenge to ensure we are providing the most effective solutions. Our knowledge is not just theoretical; it is grounded in the lived experiences of the people we serve.
Our initiatives are led by the South Sudanese community, engendering a heightened level of confidence and trust. We believe that the people best equipped to solve the problems of a community are the members of that community themselves. This approach ensures our solutions are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and community approved.
Our initiatives are led by the South Sudanese community, engendering a heightened level of confidence and trust. We believe that the people best equipped to solve the problems of a community are the members of that community themselves. This approach ensures our solutions are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and community approved.
We strive for a cross-section representation of geographic regions to avoid duplication and eliminate silos. Our work is characterised by a spirit of togetherness, fostering unity within the community, and promoting a sense of collective responsibility and shared success.
We believe in the power of genuine connections. We focus on creating and strengthening relationships within the community, with stakeholders, and with partners. Our programs are designed to foster these connections, and our financial capacity is committed to supporting them.
Our Focus Areas
At the Sudd Foundation, we believe in impactful community development — a mission delivered by the community, for the community. To ensure our efforts yield maximum social impact, we’ve identified three priority focus areas which align with our programs: Youth, Women, and Community.
We understand that there are no short-term solutions to these issues. Comprehensive and strategic program delivery is required to achieve long-term success, with the goal being the full integration and acceptance of the South Sudanese community by the broader population. At the Sudd Foundation, we are not just working towards this goal; we are dedicated to making it a reality.
The Australian South Sudanese population skews younger than other segments of the population. Recognizing this, our youth programs are community-led and provide specialist case management support to the most vulnerable young individuals, while also offering opportunities for growth to others.
Our support extends to at-risk youth intervention to prevent young people from entering the youth justice system. We also provide youth justice referrals, including court accompaniment and post-release services for those who have interacted with the youth justice system.
Many Australian women from South Sudan have faced immense challenges, often migrating, or seeking refuge as the single head of their family. They’ve often experienced significant loss, trauma, and may lack a robust support system — factors that can result in their isolation and disconnection from the community. Furthermore, many of these women also lack formal training, education, practical financial literacy, and support in connecting with community and services.
Our Women’s Connection Program provides a safe space for these South Sudanese Australian women to come together, share their experiences, and learn from each other. This program helps build self-esteem, community connections, and fosters a sense of belonging.
We plan regular gatherings to disseminate education about finances, parenting, wellbeing, and other key topics. These gatherings also serve as a secondary avenue for connecting to other services including English classes, family day care, local community organisations, and navigating mainstream support systems.
Board & Staff Members
Board Members
Bol Machar Maduot
Co-founder and Co-chairman
Bol is a law reform and equal opportunity advocate. He is passionate about community engagement, conflict resolution, and mediation. He is a member of the Regional Advisory Council of Victoria and a community leader for the Dinka Community Association Victoria.
Tedla Wanaw
Co Treasurer
Tedla sits on the Operational Committee and serves as SUDD’s Community Development and Project Officer in the humanitarian aid/not-for-profit sector (Overseas). Tedla has participated in five major-scale humanitarian emergency responses as a WASH Project Officer, including crisis management. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law and Practice from Victoria University.
Rev. Tut Yoa
Co-founder and Deputy
Reverend Reverend Tut Yoa, an ordained minister and church pastor with 30 years of experience across Africa and Australia, is a community and professional conciliator. Rev. Tut is a professional speaker and translator of Arabic and Nuer, with vast experience in international agencies such as UNHCR and African United Bible Societies.
Antipas Apak Kot Kooc
Member and Counsellor
Antipas holds a Bachelor of Laws (University of Western Sydney), a Diploma of Community Services, and has 20 years of experience as an interpreter, teacher, settlement case manager, counsellor, and project officer. He has served on various committees and advisory groups across Australia and internationally.
Nyawargak Dei Wal
Member and Co-treasurer
Nyawargak holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) from Monash University, along with a Diploma of Community Welfare and various courses and certificates. Currently, she is serving as a Case Worker in the Family Violence Outreach Program at Wayss. She has had more than 30 years of experience as a community worker, crisis support advocate, case manager, case worker, and specialist family violence advocate. Apart from being a current SUDD Board member, Nyawargak is the President of the Nuer community in Melbourne.
Staff members
Ambrose Mareng
Co-founder and General manager
In 2005, Ambrose Mareng moved to Australia with his eight children. A South Sudanese community leader, Ambrose serves as a role model to young South Sudanese Australians. He is also the proud uncle of his brother's four children, who have completed their education and are now employed full-time in Australia. Ambrose is committed to working diligently to help his children and other youth secure a better education and a better life. He believes that contributing positively—peacefully, spiritually, socially, and economically—is his way of giving back to the Australian community by supporting those in greatest need.
Thurbil Pouk
Mental Health Coordinator
More information coming soon!
Ayak Akon
Sport Coordinator
More information coming soon!
Ambrose Mareng
Co-Founder & Co-Chair
Rev Tut Yoa
C0-Founder & Deputy
Bol Machar Maduot
Co-founder and Co-chairman